As the nights get longer and the temperature drops, you may be seeking new ways to cosy up your interiors. One of the biggest influences behind cosy interiors is the Danish concept of “Hygge”.  More commonly associated with interior design in recent years, Hygge is in-fact a way of life and a key part of Danish culture. It dates back to the 18th Century and focuses on feeling cosy, happy and connected with loved ones. Although the concept is designed to be a year-round lifestyle, when it comes to the home, the cosy aspect of Hygge design makes it perfect for the colder months.

In this blog, we’re looking at five simple ways you can introduce this classic Scandinavian way of life into your home.

A Neutral Palette

Those who follow the Hygge lifestyle, design their homes for optimal health and happiness. Say goodbye to bold colours and busy wallpapers and create a simpler, more neutral canvas for your living spaces. Hygge home décor should never be overwhelming as the goal is to create a calming atmosphere with little to nothing present to distract the mind.  Stick to warm and neutral pastel shades like creams, beiges and browns for walls, and layer up with slightly darker shades for soft furnishings. Wall art should be kept to a minimum but if you do want to add interest to a blank wall, opt for a simple monochrome art print or something simple but inspiring.

Add Natural Elements

Feeling closer to nature is an important aspect of the Hygge scene. With the chilly British weather just around the corner and the presence of natural greenery rapidly diminishing, we’ll soon have fewer, easily accessible opportunities to enjoy the world around us. By incorporating natural materials into your décor, you’ll bring those soothing elements of nature into your home whilst simultaneously creating a cosy vibe, synonymous with Scandi design. Use a variety of natural materials, mixing woods, stone, clays, linens and fresh greenery.

Keep it Cosy

A Hygge interior is quite minimalist so soft furnishings are essential for adding texture. When you choose your soft furnishings, pay particular attention to how they feel to the touch; fluffy pillows to lay your head upon, deep pile rugs for warmth beneath your feet and soft knitted throws to snuggle up with on those particularly chilly evenings.

Also take into consideration another aspect of the Hygge lifestyle – spending time with loved ones. Open fires play a significant role in Danish culture, whether inside or outside. A wood burning stove to huddle around with steaming mugs of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows would add an extra cosy highlight to your Hygge home.

You could also consider adding what the Danish call a “Hyggekrok” – a reading nook or cosy corner. The concept celebrates simple pleasures and what could be more pleasurable than some alone time with your favourite book?

Limited Lighting

As with the décor, the lighting in a Hygge home is never overwhelming. During the day, try to allow as much natural light in as possible by keeping window spaces clear and open. Mirrors placed on the opposite walls will help reflect the natural light around the room.

During the evenings, stick to warm lighting and steer clear of bright overhead lights. The natural glow of candles will help to create an intimate and relaxing ambience, and if made with essential oils, will offer therapeutic benefits too. As for artificial lighting, twinkly fairy lights are a great choice for Hygge interiors. Not only do they look romantic but they emit just the right amount of light to create a cosy space. If lamps are your lighting source of choice, then opt for bulbs which give a warm glow rather than those which will overwhelm the space with harsh white light.

Clear Away Clutter

Hygge is all about taking pleasure in the simplicity of your surroundings, so clutter in a Hygge abode is a big no-no. Only display items which truly make you happy – your favourite books, for example, can be displayed on natural wood shelving or simply leave a couple on a coffee table within easy reach.

Ensure you have sufficient storage so that all your possessions can be safely hidden away and surfaces can remain clean and uncluttered. Furniture inspired by Hygge should be functional yet simple, so streamlined fitted furniture offering any number of clever storage configurations would be the ideal choice.

At Hartleys, our wood-grain finished bespoke furniture will perfectly complement a hygge home interior, adding warmth as well as a sleek, clean look. Our fitted storage solutions will help in keeping the clutter away and our multi-purpose furniture options will save space and ultimately reduce stress by adding key functionality to any room. If you’d like to hear more, call us on 01756 700471 or you can view our ranges online.